Chapter · Master Base
What Base is
Base is a blockchain built by Coinbase to make using crypto cheaper and faster. It is what people call a Layer 2, which means it runs on top of Ethereum and leans on Ethereum for security. You can think of Ethereum as a busy main road and Base as a fast express lane next to it. Base opened to the public in August 2023. It handles the same kinds of apps as Ethereum, like trading, payments, and games, but fees are usually a tiny fraction of what you pay on Ethereum itself.
Free to play. No ads, no token, no account needed to start.
What this lesson covers
Why learn Base?
A huge amount of everyday crypto activity has moved to Layer 2 networks because Ethereum on its own can get slow and expensive when many people use it at once. Base is one of the biggest of these networks. Learning how it works helps you send funds, try apps, and avoid common mistakes without overpaying. In this chapter we will build up slowly, from what a rollup is, to how bridging works, to the real risks you should keep in mind. 🐜
What you get asked
What is Base, in simple terms?
Base is a Layer 2. It sits on top of Ethereum, borrows Ethereum's security, and aims to make transactions much cheaper and faster.
Base was created by the company ___, a large crypto exchange in the United States.
Coinbase incubated Base and still runs key parts of it today. Base is designed to bring Coinbase's large user base onchain.
In what year did Base open to the public?
Base launched its mainnet to the general public in August 2023, after an earlier testing phase for developers.
Match each idea to what it means.
Layer 1 is the secure foundation. Layer 2 like Base builds on top of it for speed and low cost. Coinbase created Base.
The rest of this chapter
Learn how Base works as Coinbase's Ethereum Layer 2, from rollups and the OP Stack to gas in ETH, bridging, the sequencer, and staying safe.